The Red Devils are making contingency plans in the event of David de Gea's departure and have made Handanović their top target for the summer. Louis van Gaal already has a world class replacement in Victor Valdés in his side, but needs more strength in depth in that position to put in a title challenge.

De Gea, who has been United's top performer this summer, so much so that he was part of the PFA Team of the year for the season, is being heavily scouted by Real Madrid. The Spaniard's contract expires next year, but he has shown no inclination of putting pen to paper, which has lead to massive speculation over his future.

The Red Devils have also expressed an interest in signing Hugo Lloris, but Tottenham are unwilling to sell, leaving them with little options in that position. Handanović is in his final year of his contract and Inter are looking to procure as much money as they can to supplement a massive splash in the summer.

The Red Devils have hit a lean patch in the league off late, losing their last three games against Chelsea, Everton and West Brom, their first time in over 10 years. This has opened the door for Liverpool and Tottenham to capitalise and take United close to securing a top four place.

Van Gaal has distanced himself from taking responsibility for the defeats, stating that he is no God and that it would be foolhardy for fans to believe that he can work miracles.

"I have said that in advance also, you think that I am God but it's not like that. What is happening is happening always because when your team is playing better, they should defend more," the Dutchman said.

"Also Everton at home had a very defensive organisation, and Chelsea at home also, they come here like that and you can expect it but also in our away matches they are defending.

"We have to disorganise that organisation but that is the next step in the process. We have more time on the ball, they have more time to break, we need to play with higher ball speed and that is difficult, to do that against so many bodies in front of you," he concluded.